Jagan Reddy Responds to Calls for Religious Declaration
Jagan reddy Responds to Calls for Religious Declaration
Former chief minister Y.S. jagan Mohan reddy addressed recent demands for him to declare his religion before visiting the tirupati temple, stating that he respects all faiths and identifies with humanity. This response came after the ruling nda insisted he reveal his faith, prompting him to clarify his position.
“The entire country knows my religion. My late father, a two-time chief minister, always sought blessings from Lord Balaji. I read the bible and respect Hindu traditions as well as islam and Sikhism. My religion is humanity—write that in any declaration,” reddy told reporters.
He expressed surprise at the attempts by leaders from other states to prevent his visit, referencing a notice issued to him and members of his party, ysr congress party (YSRCP), regarding compliance with Section 30 of the police Act, which was enforced during their planned visit to the temple. This visit was ultimately canceled due to security concerns.
Reddy emphadata-sized his previous visits to the temple, noting that he had visited 11 times without facing such scrutiny. “Back then, no one asked me about my religion. Now I’m being pressured to prove my allegiance?” he questioned.
As per temple rules, non-Hindus and foreigners must declare their reverence for Lord Venkateswara to gain entry for darshan, according to a former bureaucrat.
Commenting on the NDA’s demands, reddy remarked on the unusual nature of the inquiries into his faith. “I’m surprised that bjp leaders from other states are targeting me,” he said.
In response, the telugu desam party (TDP) took to social media, challenging Reddy's claims: “Who stopped you? The law requires you to affirm your belief in Swami. If you don’t want to do that, then don’t go.”
Reddy criticized the bjp for fostering religious intolerance in politics and questioned what actions they were taking against their own party members who he alleged were disrespecting the tirumala temple amid the ongoing laddoo prasadam controversy. He specifically referred to his successor, Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of undermining the temple's sanctity.